Tips on Surviving Tornadoes

In the last days of April, a tornado attacked Mississippi and Arkansas. It killed 34 people. Deaths were also reported in Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Iowa. The government is trying its best to help the victims by declaring a major disaster and federal aid. Tornadoes are the most violent storms.

Tornadoes carry winds of up to three hundred miles per hour. That is destructive enough. It is frightening because it is accompanied by lightning and heavy rains. When a tornado strikes, you should know what to do because it is the only difference between life and death. Though storms rarely happen here in Singapore, it is still best if we know what to do when this happens.

Here are some tips on surviving tornadoes:

• Prepare for it: Tornadoes are predicted and tracked. When the government advises you to prepare for it, you should do it without much ado. For instance, you should prepare your kit so when it hits, you will not scour for important things.
• Move to shelter: As soon as the warning has been issued, you have to stop whatever you are doing and go to the designated shelter. Do not wait for the tornado to be visible. Bring your whole family with you.
• Remain in the shelter: You should bring a radio and continually monitor the weather. Listen to advisories so you will know when to exit the shelter. You have to remember that multiple tornadoes form in one area. Do not leave the shelter unless the authorities say so.
• Abandon vehicle: If you are in a car, the safest thing that you should do is abandon your vehicle and search for shelter. If you have no time to leave your car, the safest thing is to fasten your seatbelt.

Singaporeans are one with Americans in their prayer for the recent devastations.